Xuan Yue Gate

In China, buildings like this are all called stone archways, but this stone archway on Wudang Mountain is extraordinary. It is not only a boundary marker for Wudang Taoism to define the immortal realm from the mortal world, but also a symbol to show the lofty status of Wudang Mountain to the world. This stone-carved archway, known as "Zhi Shi Xuan Yue", is 20 meters high and 12.8 meters wide. It was built in the 31st year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty. The plaque inscribed with "Zhi Shi Xuan Yue" in the center was also bestowed by Emperor Jiajing. The meaning of "Zhi Shi Xuan Yue" is to govern the world with the Taoism of Wudang Mountain and the True Martial God worshipped there. During the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Jiajing was a devout believer in Taoism. During his reign, the political situation was unstable and society was in turmoil. Instead of thinking about governance, Emperor Jiajing once again carried out a major renovation of Wudang. The Xuan Yue Gate was built at that time. Here, the royal family regarded Emperor Zhenwu as the god of fortune who governed the world, and Wudang Mountain thus rose to the position of the top of the Five Great Mountains. Xuanyue Gate is a three-bay, four-column, five-story wooden and stone structure. It represents the "Five Cities and Twelve floors" believed in Taoism, meaning that this place is where one waits for and meets immortals. It is the first divine gate of Wudang Mountain and is known as the first pass of the immortal realm. So on Wudang Mountain, there is a saying that "Once you enter the Xuan Yue Gate, your life is entrusted to the gods." It means that once an ordinary person enters this divine gate and immortal realm, whether they live or die, whether they are blessed or cursed, is no longer up to them. Therefore, since ancient times, people who came to Wudang Mountain to pay homage and offer incense have always looked solemn and dared not talk or laugh loudly after entering the Xuan Yue Gate.